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Best People-Watching in Bangkok

With nearly 30 million visitors passing through the Thai capital each year—and some nine million full-time residents—Bangkok’s streets are crowded with people of nearly every age, creed, and ethnicity. The sheer diversity makes the people-watching in Bangkok hard to beat; depending on the neighborhood and time of day, you’ll likely spy groups of fashion-forward local women shopping in sky-high heels, herds of school children hanging out in their matching uniforms, vendors in bamboo hats hawking souvenirs and snacks, and visiting backpackers attempting to stomach the only-if-you-dare street food. What’s more, Thai people don’t frown upon staring—so you can let your eyes linger on an interesting person or group without fear of committing a cultural faux pas. People-watching is one of the best (free!) ways to get a feel for the city; here are five local destinations where the crowds are a big part of the draw.

Chinatown

This vibrant neighborhood is as good for people-watching as it is for food watching. The streets here are packed with vendors selling fish, exotic fruits, and unusual Chinese snacks—and the throngs of shoppers who swarm them. This part of Bangkok feels distinctly more Asian than the side sois of Suhkumvit, so it’s a must-go for visitors who are new to Asia.

Soi Cowboy

Certainly not for everyone, Soi Cowboy is a two-block-long, neon-lit street in the heart of Bangkok’s red-light district. You can walk from one end to the other in five minutes, but if you want more of an eyeful, linger for a cheap cocktail or beer at one of the outdoor areas of the bars and watch the crowds of tourists and scantily-clad women.

Khao San Road

Ground zero for European and American backpackers traveling on the cheap (who all seem to wear identical uniforms of t-shirts and elephant-print pants), this avenue is also a hub for vendors that delight in provoking shock and awe. Expect everything from street carts selling fried tarantulas to monkeys wearing diapers that will hop on your shoulders for a small fee.

Siam Paragon

Well-heeled visitors from Hong Kong and Singapore, along with hi-society locals, frequent the high-end shops at this sprawling mall. This place is pumped full of air conditioning (locally known as air-con), so you’ll cool off as you watch Asia’s one-percenters stroll and browse. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Versace have flagship stores here; there’s an impressive Lamborghini display upstairs.

Asiatique Riverfront

Bangkok’s version of a California boardwalk is chock-full of street boutiques, live music, cafés and contortionists looking to earn a few Baht by making balloon animals or performing acrobatics. Visitors flock to this riverside complex for dinner and drinks, shopping and the “ladyboy” cabaret shows at Calypso.

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Best People-Watching in Bangkok

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